Starting July 1, 2025, cyclists and users of non-motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as kick scooters face strict penalties if caught riding on designated pedestrian-only footpaths in towns across Singapore. These pedestrian-only paths are clearly marked with the words "pedestrian only" and are reserved strictly for pedestrians and users of personal mobility aids (PMAs), such as electric wheelchairs. The new enforcement regime was announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in August 2024 as part of an effort to enhance the safety of vulnerable users like seniors and children.
Red-painted paths have been designated for cycling, while shared footpaths continue to accommodate both bicycles and non-motorised PMDs. The LTA has converted over 200km of such footpaths to pedestrian-only status across towns including Tampines, Punggol, Sengkang, Yishun, Clementi, and Toa Payoh, which was the first to implement the changes in January 2025.
Under the new rules, first-time offenders who cycle or ride on a pedestrian-only path could face fines of up to $2,000, three months' imprisonment, or both. In contrast, pedestrians who wander into red cycling paths will not face legal penalties, though they are strongly encouraged to stay on the correct paths for their own safety.
To ensure compliance, LTA's active mobility enforcement officers (AMEOs) will adopt a "measured and considered approach" when assessing offences, but have emphasized zero tolerance for those who ride recklessly or at unsafe speeds. Enforcement will be concentrated in high-traffic areas, especially where pedestrian and cyclist interactions are common, such as around malls.
Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng, speaking at a pedestrian-only path on Tampines Avenue 4 on July 1, said while AMEOs will exercise some discretion initially, they cannot be overly lenient. He stressed that laws must be enforced consistently to be effective. AMEOs are supported by CCTV infrastructure and wear body cameras to aid in enforcement.
Baey noted that Singapore aims to promote active mobility as a healthy and green commuting option, but must also safeguard public safety. He acknowledged the challenges in balancing these objectives, especially in areas with space constraints.
PMAs will also be required to follow a new lower speed limit of 6kmh (down from 10kmh) by Q1 2026. This adjustment further aligns with efforts to ensure safer shared path usage.
LTA statistics show that the number of accidents on paths has declined from 303 in 2019 to 104 in 2024, reflecting the effectiveness of safety initiatives. However, the agency believes more can be done, particularly to protect vulnerable pedestrians.
The LTA has proactively educated the public since August 2024. Outreach has included collaboration with schools to educate students, while AMEOs have been stopping cyclists and PMD users to inform them of the changes. On July 1, The Straits Times observed AMEOs at Our Tampines Hub explaining the rules to more than five cyclists in just ten minutes. Most responded positively.
Public opinion remains mixed. Residents like Sabariah, 40, who cycles regularly in Tampines, support the changes, noting improved order and compliance. However, some, like Grab rider Zam Ismail, 44, argue that penalties for cyclists are excessive and unfairly skewed, especially since pedestrians who enter cycling paths are not penalised. Mr Zam also raised concerns about the practicality of dismounting to overtake pedestrians while on delivery jobs.
The LTA has stated that more pedestrian-only paths will be introduced where feasible. In areas where path expansion is not possible, authorities will rely on gracious behaviour and mutual understanding between cyclists and pedestrians.
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